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
Mar 7, 2017 • 36min
Wrap-Up: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
In the final episode of season two, Vanessa and Casper pull out a few key insights from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They evaluate the evolution of Harry's character, compare Lockhart to a Shakespearean protagonist, and talk about the importance of paying attention to ghosts. Throughout the episode they come back to ideas about liberation, marginalization, and belonging. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 28, 2017 • 42min
Special Edition: Owl Post and Rabbi Scott Perlo
In our penultimate episode of season two, we hear from listeners Christina Richardson, Margaret, Meaghan Crowley, and Abigail Morris. Vanessa and Casper also have the opportunity to learn a new spiritual practice, PaRDeS, from the charming and wise Rabbi Scott Perlo.Next week, we'll be doing a full book review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In the meantime, be sure to check out our patreon at www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 21, 2017 • 46min
Love: Dobby's Reward (Book 2, Chapter 18)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of love in the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Together they discuss the connection between love, memory, suffering, and why parents take their babies to the zoo. They are joined by special guest, Professor Stephanie Paulsell, to discuss and introduce a new spiritual practice — Florilegia. This week's voicemail is thanks to Katie Bowers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 14, 2017 • 32min
Heartbreak: The Heir of Slytherin (Book 2, Chapter 17)
In this episode, Vanessa and Casper discuss heartbreak in chapter seventeen of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'. They explore the difference between heartbreak and soul-break, the symbolism of Fawkes' tears, and the importance of experiencing pain to appreciate joy. They also touch on practical jokes, juvenile delinquency, and Ron's role as well as Ginny's trauma.
Feb 7, 2017 • 33min
Grace: The Chamber of Secrets (Book 2, Chapter 16)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of grace in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the power of gratitude, the difference between the desolation of Moaning Myrtle and Ginny Weasley, and Vanessa's admiration of Johnny Cash. Throughout the episode they consider the question: why does the idea of grace make some of us uncomfortable?This week's voicemail is thanks to Rebecca Dehovitz. Next week we'll be reading chapter seventeen, The Heir of Slytherin, through the theme of heartbreak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 1, 2017 • 28min
Sanctuary: Aragog (Book 2, Chapter 15)
The podcast explores the theme of sanctuary in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the power of silence, Hagrid as a priest-like figure, and why spiders fear the Basilisk. They consider if ordinary people are best suited to face life's horrors.
Jan 24, 2017 • 29min
Loyalty: Cornelius Fudge (Book 2, Chapter 14)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of loyalty in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Hagrid and Dumbledore's mutual admiration, how to navigate multiple responsibilities, and why Cornelius Fudge is a poor politician. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When does loyalty become cultish and when is it the highest form of respect? This week's voicemail is thanks to Jane. Next week we’ll be reading chapter fifteen, Aragog, through the theme of sanctuary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 17, 2017 • 33min
Cowardice: The Very Secret Diary (Book 2, Chapter 13)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of cowardice in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss hate crimes, the psychology of murderers, and secret admirers. Throughout the episode they consider the question: What is the primary emotion associated with cowardice? Is it fear, shame, confusion, or something else?This week's voicemail is thanks to Teague Peterson. Next week we’ll be reading chapter fourteen, Cornelius Fudge, through the theme of loyalty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 10, 2017 • 32min
Belonging: The Polyjuice Potion (Book 2, Chapter 12)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of belonging in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss magical portraits, the metaphor of the phoenix, and Vanessa’s distrust of optometry. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is a shared history necessary for feeling belonging? This week's voicemail is thanks to Evin Shinn. Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirteen, The Very Secret Diary, through the theme of cowardice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 3, 2017 • 31min
Excellence: The Dueling Club (Book 2, Chapter 11)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of excellence in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry's proficiency with Parseltongue, Ernie McMillan's authority within the Hufflepuffs, and Vanessa's esteem of Lebron James. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do we make sure that we pursue excellence in way that's in line with our values?Our story this week was told by the incredible Mark Oppenheimer of the Unorthodox podcast and this week's voicemail is thanks to Lóre Stevens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
