Disappointment: The Worst Birthday (Book 2, Chapter 1)

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Regret in chapter twenty-four of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we are joined by writer, pastor, and theologian Nadia Bolz-Weber, who shares an opening story about the way that accidents weigh on us. Casper and Vanessa discuss how much they blame Harry for hurting Draco, Snape’s punishment, and Harry and Ginny’s first kiss. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to live with no regrets?Thanks to Rachel Friedensen for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-five, The Seer Overheard, through the theme of Indignation. It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a 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.

6 Feb 202042min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Memory in chapter twenty-three of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Harry’s resemblance to Tom Riddle, Dumbledore’s impending doom, and their different theories of the soul. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what’s our theory of the difference between a memory and a story we tell ourselves?Thanks to Clover for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-four, Sectumsempra, through the theme of Regret with special guest Nadia Bolz-Weber.It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a 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.

30 Jan 202037min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Bitterness in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss why Hermione doesn’t want to go to Aragog’s funeral, whether Slughorn does a good eulogy, and Miriam from the story of Exodus. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Does bitterness have something to do with sorrow?Thanks to Eve for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-three, Horcruxes, through the theme of Memory.It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a 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.

23 Jan 202041min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Affirmation in chapter twenty-one of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Harry and Hermione’s different relationships with house-elves, Ron’s sense of sufficiency, and some icky sexist moments that stuck out in this chapter. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can you affirm yourself?Thanks to Sam Blanckensee for this week's voicemail! If you want to read our response to J.K. Rowling’s tweet, you can find it here. Next week we’re reading Chapter twenty-two, After the Burial, through the theme of Bitterness.It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a 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.

16 Jan 202037min

How and why should we be in community? This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Reverend Burns Stanfield from 4th Presbyterian Church in Boston. Together they discuss how community gets us better at loving one another and ourselves.This episode we also hear owl post from Karen, Natalie, Cara, Christoffel, and Rachel. Next week we’re reading Chapter 21, The Unknowable Room, through the theme of Affirmation.It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a 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.

9 Jan 202048min

Here's a little treat from Casper. You can find the poem in “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Des 20192min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Good Will in chapter twenty of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Dumbledore’s disappointment with Harry, Luna’s burgeoning friendship with Ron, and the backstory of Hepzibah Smith. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does Good Will become naiveté?Thanks to Jordan for this week's voicemail! We’re taking two weeks off for the holiday but we’ll be back on January 9th with an Owl Post episode.Please consider supporting our Don’t Be A Dursley campaign. We’re in our last week of raising money for RAICES - an organization that helps immigrants and refugees struggling for rights in our country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 Des 201938min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Harmony in chapter nineteen of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss the downfall of Cormac McLaggen, Luna’s sports commentary, and Harry’s sense of home. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is it important to blend in vs. stand out?Thanks to Becca for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty, Lord Voldemort’s Request, through the theme of Good Will.Please consider supporting our Don’t Be A Dursley campaign. We’ll be raising money through Christmas for RAICES - an organization that helps immigrants and refugees struggling for rights in our country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 Des 201936min