Discovery: Birthday Surprises (Book 6, Chapter 18)

Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest John Green as they explore the theme of Health in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week we discuss the connection between individual and social health, the efficacy of Dobby's messaging, and Mrs. Mason's traumatic dinner party experience. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we support each other in building healthier communities?Thank you to Donovan for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’ll be joined by our wonderful friend Jolie Doggett, as we read Chapter 3, The Burrow, through the theme of Friendship.--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.

30 Syys 202148min

Welcome back! In our first episode of Season 2, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Bravery in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week we discuss the difference between bravery and bravado, Vernon's drill salesmanship, and Harry's faith in his friendships. Throughout the episode we consider the question: does bravery require confidence, or is it even braver to act when you are unsure?Thank you to Hanna for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’ll be joined by special guest John Green, as we read Chapter 2, Dobby's Warning, through the theme of Health.--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.

23 Syys 202140min

This week, Vanessa is joined by fellow podcaster and author of IRL: Finding Realness, Meaning, and Belonging in Our Digital Lives, Chris Stedman, to discuss grief, fandom, and how online communities can help us process significant events in our lives.Thanks to Sam, Courtney, Brianna, Mallory, and Cathy for their beautiful voicemail contributions. On Thursday we’ll be starting Book 2, Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets, and reading Chapter 1, The Worst Birthday, through the theme of bravery.Listen to Chris's podcast, Unread, and check out his new book here! --It’s only two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollar 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.

21 Syys 202137min

Vanessa and Matt wrap up their first season together with a look back on all of Book 1! They discuss Harry's arc, Neville's role as a perpetual outsider, and the way that fantasy as a genre works withthe progressively more vivid violence in the books.We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!--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.

2 Syys 202140min

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the relationship between love and power, whether or not Quirrell can be classified as a victim, and the Power of Ritual (hi Casper) in creating and maintaining loving relationships. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we most lovingly take care of ourselves and others?Thank you to Kimmie for this week’s voicemail. Join us next week for our Book 1 Wrap-Up episode!--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.

26 Elo 202139min

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Freedom in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the obstacle course approach to security at Hogwarts, the children's successful journey to the stone, and McGonagall's inability to see the danger at hand. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be free when we are in relationship with others, and how can we become free to be our best selves?Thanks to Claire for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 17, The Man With Two Faces, through the theme of Love.--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.

19 Elo 202145min

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Punishment in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Filch, McGonagall, and Hagrid's vastly different approaches to punishment, Harry's scary jaunt in the woods, and the centaurs' obsession with Mars. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what makes something a punishment, and what purpose does punishment serve?Thanks to Katie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 16, Through The Trapdoor, through the theme of Freedom.--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.

12 Elo 202145min

Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Jackson Bird as they explore the theme of Obligation in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the children's sense of obligation towards Hagrid, Charlie's lawbreaking buddies, and how hard it is for us as muggles to gauge danger in the wizarding world. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we juggle our conflicting needs and obligations, and which should we prioritize?Thanks to Jessica for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 15, The Forbidden Forest, through the theme of Punishment.--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.

5 Elo 202146min