
Shame: At Flourish and Blotts (Book 2, Chapter 4)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of shame in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry's generosity, the difference between teasing and criticism, and whether there's anything to admire about Gilderoy Lockhart. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Do we inherit the shame of our fathers?This week's voicemail is thanks to Cari Kramer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
15 Marras 201635min

A Brief Post-Election Note
Hi friends, we hope you're taking care of yourselves. We offer you this reading from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14 Marras 201647s

Curiosity: The Burrow (Book 2, Chapter 3)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of curiosity in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Arthur Weasley's enthusiasm for muggles, the moral implications of de-gnoming, and the alluring appeal of RuPaul's Drag Race. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is love an important component of curiosity?This week's voicemail is thanks to Michelle Sisco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 Marras 201636min

Control: Dobby's Warning (Book 2, Chapter 2)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of control in the second chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the bureaucratic power of the Ministry of Magic, the benefit of Harry's deep curiosity, and the endless frustrations of IKEA furniture. Throughout the episode they consider the question: when is control a noble intention and when is it oppressive? This week's voicemail is thanks to Mijal Tenenbaum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Marras 201635min

Disappointment: The Worst Birthday (Book 2, Chapter 1)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of disappointment in the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss homesickness and why returning home sometimes brings out the worst in us, acknowledge Petunia's domestic labor, and return to the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina. Throughout the episode they consider the question: how do we maintain optimistic and integrity when confronted with disappointment? This week's voicemail is thanks to Grace Halverson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25 Loka 201633min

Special Edition: Owl Post and Professor Stephanie Paulsell
In our last episode of season one, we hear from a few more listeners and have a meta-conversation about the podcast itself. Vanessa and Casper also have the opportunity to chat with Professor Stephanie Paulsell, with whom they developed this project at Harvard Divinity School. We’re back with season two in a few weeks! Note: This is our last week of particularly bad audio quality. Hurray! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Loka 201626min

Wrap-Up: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
In the final episode of season one, Vanessa and Casper pull out a few key insights from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They finally get around to talking about Harry himself, revisit the kindness of the Weasley twins, and think about the thematic relevance of food in the book. Throughout the episode they come back to ideas about vulnerability, friendship, and love. Note: Unfortunately, we're still having trouble with microphones. This time, just to keep you on your toes, it's Vanessa that sounds a little wonky. All will be fixed (hopefully!) in season two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
24 Syys 201622min

Love: The Man with Two Faces (Book 1, Chapter 17)
**Note: We had some technical difficulties in the studio this week (mainly with Casper’s microphone) so unfortunately the sound of this episode is not up to our usual standard and occasionally distracting. Still, the conversation was fruitful enough that we wanted to share it with you. Thanks for your patience and, if you have the option, maybe leave your good headphones at home for this one! Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of love in the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They debate whether Quirrell loves Voldemort, celebrate the Weasley twins, and take a closer look at the title of the chapter. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is sacrifice necessary for love? This week's voicemail is thanks to Lindsay Surtees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17 Syys 201625min