Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Vanessa and Casper dive into Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with the theme of belief. They discuss the breakdown of trust between Harry and the Dursleys, between Harry and his friends, and Harry and himself. Throughout the episode they consider the question: what makes us believe things, beyond just 'the facts'? This week, we're trying out a new spiritual practice: Marginalia. This week's voicemail is thanks to Emily Anderson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 Aug 201835min

Season 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, launches on August 23rd. Vanessa and Casper get together to talk what they're looking forward to in Order of the Phoenix and share our season 5 trailer about Dolores Umbridge.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 Aug 201819min

In our last episode of season four, we catch up on some owl post with Stephanie Paulsell. We hear from Angela Hronek, Michelle Solomon, Jaxn Hill, Margaret Cooney and an anonymous caller. Inspired by our callers, Stephanie and Vanessa discuss embodiment, communion, and the limits of radical love. NB: We’re taking a week off, but we'll back with season five and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on August 9th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 Jul 201833min

In the final episode of season four, Vanessa and Casper pull out a few key insights from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. They take some time to talk about Harry Potter himself, reflect on Cedric's death, and dissect the role of the Goblet of Fire itself. Throughout the episode they take a critical eye to the stories we tell ourselves and whether those are a force of good or complacency. Next week, we're rounding out the season with a final Owl Post and a conversation with our house mentor, Stephanie Paulsell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 Jul 201829min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "love" in the final chapter of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we come to you live from our London show. We discuss the grief and generosity of Cedric's parents, the false promise of the Triwizard Tournament, and whether love can be political. We were so very lucky to have our dear friend and mentor, Stephanie Paulsell, with us to tell a story from her experience.Next week we're doing a wrap-up of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Thanks to everyone who came out to the London show. We have three events coming up in August; you can check them out at: http://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 Jul 201857min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "disillusionment" in chapter thirty-six of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Snape's bravery in revealing his dark mark, Molly's clarity of purpose in taking care of Harry, and the way government leaders tend to let us down. Our question this week: how much are we allowed to change the 'facts' of our own story?Next week we're reading the very last chapter of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, chapter thirty-seven, The Beginning, through the theme of "love." We'll be coming to you live from our London show. Thanks this week to Kelly Webb for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 Jul 201835min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "betrayal" in chapter thirty-five of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Neville and Harry’s friendship, poor Winky and her grief in this chapter, and why villains are prone to monologuing. We return to the question this week: how do we hold people accountable for their bad actions without isolating or radicalizing them? Next week we're reading chapter thirty-six, The Parting of the Ways, through the theme of "disillusionment." Thanks this week to Amanda Holly for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Jun 201831min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "grief" in chapter thirty-four of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Professor Matt Potts, a beloved mentor from Harvard Divinity School. In the episode, we discuss Cedric's last request, Wormtail's hand, and whether we believe in the idea of 'sin.' Our question this week: is grief an emotion or something more permanent and essential? Next week we're reading chapter thirty-five, Veritaserum, through the theme of "betrayal." Thanks this week to Jessica Hyde for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Jun 201835min