Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

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/] (https://notsorryworks.com/) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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/] (https://notsorryworks.com/) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

 

#460

Despair: Hermione’s Helping Hand (Book 6, Chapter 11)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Normalcy in Chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Hagrid’s grief, Ron’s tryout, and Slughorn’s continued pursuit of Harry! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does despair manifest? Thank you to Alison for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 12, Silver and Opals, through the theme of Access with Jackson Bird. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

4 hrs Ago

37 MINS

37:41

4 hrs Ago


#459

Ambition: The House of Gaunt (Book 6, Chapter 10)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Ambition in Chapter 10 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the Half Blood Prince’s gender, Snape’s ambition, and Merope’s blossoming romance! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our ambitions shift over time? Thank you to Natalie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 11, Hermione’s Helping Hand, through the theme of Despair with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

05 Sep 2024

43 MINS

43:41

05 Sep 2024


#458

Empowerment: The Half Blood Prince (Book 6, Chapter 9)

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Empowerment in Chapter 9 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss McGonnagall’s excellent leadership, Harry’s snappy come-backs, and how to be a good quidditch captain! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do you redistribute power in broken systems? Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 10, The House of Gaunt, through the theme of Ambition with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

29 Aug 2024

45 MINS

45:36

29 Aug 2024


#457

Chance: Snape Victorious (Book 6, Chapter 8)

This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Ambition in Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the role of jokes during wartime, Tonks’ protection, and Snape’s escort! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do chance and effort interact in our lives? Thank you to Ned for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 9, The Half-Blood Prince, through the theme of Empowerment with Casper ter Kuile. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

22 Aug 2024

41 MINS

41:37

22 Aug 2024


#456

Special Edition: Celebrating Ron!

Every once in a while we like to take a step back from our current chapter, and appreciate some overarching themes and important characters from the series. This week, Matt and special guest Jolie Doggett are celebrating everyone's favorite bff, Ron Weasley! Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

15 Aug 2024

29 MINS

29:54

15 Aug 2024


#455

Adversity: The Slug Club (Book 6, Chapter 7)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Adversity in Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Luna’s friendships, Ginny’s bat-bogey hex, and the titular Slug Club! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does adversity shape our perspective? Thank you to Kate for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 8, Snape Victorious, through the theme of Chance with Micaela Blei. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

08 Aug 2024

42 MINS

42:05

08 Aug 2024


#454

Gratitude: Draco’s Detour (Book 6, Chapter 6)

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Gratitude in Chapter 6 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the twins’ joke shop, Harry’s wealth, and the changes in Diagon Alley! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we maintain gratitude? Thank you to Sarah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 7, The Slug Club, through the theme of Adversity with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

01 Aug 2024

43 MINS

43:07

01 Aug 2024


#453

Concern: An Excess of Phlegm (Book 6, Chapter 5)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Concern in Chapter 5 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Molly’s many concerns, the relativity of concern, and Fleur as future sister-in-law! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is concern helpful? Thank you to Nancy for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 6, Draco’s Detour, through the theme of Gratitude with Casper ter Kuile. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

25 Jul 2024

48 MINS

48:55

25 Jul 2024


#452

Identity: Horace Slughorn (Book 6, Chapter 4)

This week, Vanessa and special guest Beth Silvers from Pantsuit Politics explore the theme of Identity in Chapter 4 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s obsession with fame, Molly as a source of comfort, and Dumbledore’s guidance! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our identities shift, evolve and overlap? Thank you to Hope for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 5, An Excess of Phlegm, through the theme of concern with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

18 Jul 2024

47 MINS

47:17

18 Jul 2024


#451

Hot & Bothered: Sleepless in Seattle

Our sister podcast, Hot & Bothered, has recently launched a brand new season with a brand new co-host! Joining Vanessa is media professor and podcaster Hannah McGregor. This season of Hot & Bothered is all about exploring the ideology of romance movies and we started the season off with the 1993 classic, Sleepless in Seattle. Episode release weekly on Tuesdays. [ Go subscribe] (https://www.pod.link/1355215424) ! Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

17 Jul 2024

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:30

17 Jul 2024


#450

Corruption: Will and Won’t (Book 6, Chapter 3)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Corruption in Chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Dumbledore’s errand, Kreacher’s fate, and new leadership at the Ministry! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can power corrupt? Thank you to Travis for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 4, Horace Slughorn, through the theme of Identity with Beth Silvers from Pantsuit Politics. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

11 Jul 2024

42 MINS

42:48

11 Jul 2024


#449

Honesty: Spinner’s End (Book 6, Chapter 2)

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Honesty in Chapter 2 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape’s honesty, lack thereof, and Draco’s impossible task! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what constitutes a genuinely honest answer? Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 3, Will and Won’t, through the theme of Corruption with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

04 Jul 2024

45 MINS

45:46

04 Jul 2024


#448

Honor: The Other Minister (Book 6, Chapter 1)

Welcome back as we take a look at Book 6 of Harry Potter!! This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Honor in Chapter 1 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Scrimgeour as the new Minister of Magic, Fudge’s many mistakes, and the relationship between honor and shame! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to act with honor? Thank you to Marni for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 2, Spinner’s End, through the theme of Honesty with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

27 Jun 2024

46 MINS

46:30

27 Jun 2024


#447

HPST Rewind! A 2019 Live Show

Today we're bringing you a never before heard live show Vanessa and Casper did in 2019!They explore the theme of truth in Book 3 Chapter 12, in front of a live audience in San Francisco. Next week we're back with current day Vanessa and Casper who will be reading Book 6 Chapter 1, The Other Minister, through the theme of Honor! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

20 Jun 2024

1 HR 19 MINS

1:19:59

20 Jun 2024


#446

Special Edition: Storytelling and Taylor Swift (with Margaret H. Willison)

Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Margaret H. Willison, faculty on our upcoming Taylor Swift Pilgrimage on Cape Cod. They explore why Taylor's music is such a rich text for sacred reflection and share the things they're most looking forward to on this trip! If you're interested in joining us in November, you can sign up [on our website] (https://www.readingandwalkingwith.com/taylor-swift-2024) ! Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

14 Jun 2024

14 MINS

14:05

14 Jun 2024


#445

Special Edition: Assorted Bloopers!

We're still off for the next two weeks as we prepare for Book 6 (!!), so today we're bringing you an assortment of bloopers from Book 5.You can find the full versions of our bloopers for each episode over on [our patreon] (patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) .Hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

13 Jun 2024

16 MINS

16:21

13 Jun 2024


#444

A HPST Rewind! Helplessness: The Other Minister (Series 1, Book 6, Chapter 1)

We're off for a few weeks as we prepare for Book 6 (!!), so we're bringing you this throwback episode of HPST from the first time Vanessa and Casper read through Book 6, Chapter 1 through the theme of Helplessness.Hope you enjoy! -- 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

06 Jun 2024

46 MINS

46:37

06 Jun 2024


#443

Wrap-Up: The Order of the Phoenix

Vanessa and Matt wrap up their discussion of The Order of the Phoenix with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Dumbledore's choices in this book, Harry's journey out of isolation, and some of the budding romances at Hogwarts. We're off for a few weeks between seasons, but look out for some fun things dropping in the feed in the interim! -- 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

30 May 2024

39 MINS

39:21

30 May 2024


#442

Love: The Second War Begins (Book 5, Chapter 38)

This week, Vanessa and special guest Nathalie Folkerts explore the theme of Love in Chapter 38 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Hagrid’s caretaking, systemic failures, and loving moments with the kids! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we create more loving systems? Thank you to Helena for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're wrapping up Book 5 with Matt Potts! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

23 May 2024

47 MINS

47:00

23 May 2024


#441

Control: The Lost Prophecy (Book 5, Chapter 37)

This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Control in Chapter 37 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Dumbledore’s disclosures, Harry’s anger, and Trelawney’s gift! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is actually within our control? Thank you to Marie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 38, The Second War Begins, through the theme of Love with Nathalie Folkerts! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars [ to join our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext) 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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

16 May 2024

49 MINS

49:31

16 May 2024