Likability: Quidditch (Book 1, Chapter 11)

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of protection in chapter ten Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss why Hermione lies about the troll, why we like dangerous sports, and how the ‘damsel in distress’ trope plays out in this chapter. Throughout the episode we consider the question: When is it okay for the maker of rules to break them?Thanks to Carol for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 11, Quidditch, through the theme of Likability.--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.

8 Jul 202142min

Today is the day Vanessa's book is finally out in the world! Matt talks to her about her writing process, inspiration, and more and we share an exclusive sneak peek of the audio book. If you haven't already, you can order the book here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 Jul 202138min

This week we're joined by THE Casper ter Kuile as we explore the theme of meanness in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss whether Harry acts too aggressively with Malfoy, whether McGonagall is treating Harry like a piece of meat, and whether Draco ever meant to go to the midnight duel. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do you be anti-violence and still intervene in wrong-doing?Thanks to Brittany for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 10, Hallowe'en, through the theme of Protection.--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.

1 Jul 202143min

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of belonging in chapter eight Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we examine Hagrid’s hut as a welcoming space, discuss how Snape’s cruelty confirms Harry as special, and have our first conversation about pedagogy at Hogwarts. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we belong to another person without trying to possess them?Thanks to Katta for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 9, The Midnight Duel, through the theme of meanness.--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.

24 Jun 202145min

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of revenge in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Dumbledore's whimsy as a tool of hospitality, whether Peeves should be punished, and the context of Nearly Headless Nick’s beheading.Throughout the episode we consider the question: is living well the best revenge?Thanks to Ashley for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 8, The Potions Master, through the theme of belonging.--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.

17 Jun 202140min

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of fear in chapter six Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss how the Dursleys change (and don't change) towards Harry, Ron's role in his family, and how truly wonderful Molly is to Harry and her kids. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what makes someone a bully?Thanks to Amethyst for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 7, The Sorting Hat through the theme of revenge.--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.

10 Jun 202139min

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of awe in chapter five Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Harry’s fame, Draco’s relationship with his wand, and the joys and overwhelm of travel. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can you be in awe of things that aren't 'good'?Thanks to Rachell for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 6, The Journey to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters through the theme of fear.--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.

3 Jun 202136min

This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by Naomi Westwater to discuss how we see Wizard Supremacy operating in the text and how it helps us understand supremacy in our lives.Thanks to for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we’ll be reading Book 1, Chapter 5, Diagon Alley, through the theme of awe.If you're interested in joining Naomi's class, you can sign up 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.

27 Mai 202143min