Obligation: Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback (Book 1, Chapter 14)

Vanessa recounts how she came to read literature as sacred and, in Casper’s absence, uses voicemails from the audience as her conversation partners this week. Together, they touch on a new theology of horcruxes, the difficulty of transitions, and why Hermione wasn't sorted into Ravenclaw. We’re back to your regularly scheduled programming next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 Aug 201626min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of hope in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Neville's brawl with the Slytherins, the sacred space of quidditch, and whether a rhetoric of hope can be exploitative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 Aug 201625min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of white privilege in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Molly Weasley's continued generosity, explore the topic of invisibility both literally and metaphorically, and begin a new spiritual exercise: the Jewish practice of Havruta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 Aug 201624min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of goals in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Voldemort's questionable judgment in this chapter, whether our intentions are as important as our actions, and Vanessa's lasting admiration for Whoopi Goldberg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Jul 201625min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of friendship in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Hermione's confrontation with mortality, give an allegorical reading of Quidditch, and offer a possible redemption for McGonagall after last week's criticism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 Jul 201630min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of betrayal in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss bullying, Brexit, and why Professor mcGonagall might be a worse teacher than you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 Jul 201627min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of promises in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss tropes in bad 80s tv shows, Harry's reaction to his own fame, and Hermione's destiny to smash the patriarchy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 Jul 201628min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of vulnerability in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss how Harry’s experience with the sorting hat teaches us to reclaim our own narratives after trauma, and extend blessings both to know-it-all Hermione and know-nothing Neville.*NB: Vanessa’s opening story is about sexual assault. If you want to skip it, the 30-second recap starts about 5 minutes into the episode. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Jul 201626min