
Guilt: The Yule Ball (Book 4, Chapter 23)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "guilt" in chapter twenty-three of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Viktor Krum's classiness, Dobby's love of languages, and the pervasiveness of gift-giving in our culture. Our question this week is: How do we protect ourselves from turning guilt into shame?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-four, Rita Skeeter's Scoop, through the theme of integrity. Thanks this week to Topher Soltys for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29 Mars 201831min

Special Edition: Extended Conversation with Gretchen Rubin
We could only include a few minutes of Vanessa's conversation with Gretchen Rubin into the main episode this week, but we wanted to share an extended cut of their interview. Hear Vanessa and Gretchen nerd out about this week's chapter and learn more about her theory of The Four Tendencies. Happy Friday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23 Mars 201818min

Happiness: The Unexpected Task (Book 4, Chapter 22)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Happiness in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Gretchen Rubin, host of Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen tells our opening story, sharing from her experience switching career paths. Our question this week is: What is the difference between procrastination and time for 'self-care'?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-three, The Yule Ball, through the theme of Guilt. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Amanda Patton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22 Mars 201840min

Faith: The House-Elf Liberation Front (Book 4, Chapter 21)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "faith" in chapter twenty-one of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Vanessa's first celebrity crush, the separation of church and state in the US, and the internalized oppression of house-elves. Our question this week is: What does faith look like when it's not religious?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-two, The Unexpected Task, through the theme of Happiness. Thanks this week to Austin Bucholtz for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
15 Mars 201829min

Opportunity: The First Task (Book 4, Chapter 20)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "opportunity" in chapter twenty of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Cedric's wholeness, Harry's brokenness, and what Vanessa thinks about "Fifty Shades of Grey." Our question this week is: How do we create our own opportunities in the world?Next week we're reading chapter twenty-one, The House-Elf Liberation Front, through the theme of faith. Thanks this week to Hannah Burgess for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 Mars 201837min

Delight: The Hungarian Horntail (Book 4, Chapter 19)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "delight" in chapter nineteen of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Harry's vulnerability with Sirius, Charlie's love of Hagrid, and Madame Maxime's potential manipulation. Our question this week is: What's the purpose of delight?Next week we're reading chapter twenty, The First Task, through the theme of opportunity. Thanks this week to Kelly Petrauskas for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Mars 201832min

Special Edition: Owl Post and Broderick Greer
Vanessa is sick today, so Casper is taking over our much-anticipated "owl" themed owl post. We hear from listeners Stefanie French, Ali Ribe, Camille Knox and Sophie Ralph. Casper also has the opportunity to learn a new spiritual practice, Marginalia, from the charming and wise Reverend Canon Broderick Greer.Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 19, The Hungarian Horntail, through the theme of delight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22 Feb 201834min

Glory: The Weighing of the Wands (Book 4, Chapter 18)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "glory" in chapter eighteen of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This week we discuss Draco's "Potter Stinks" badges, Hermione's toast, and Snape's empty threats. Our question this week is: Does glory require sacrifice?Next week we're reading chapter nineteen, The Hungarian Horntail, through the theme of delight. Thanks this week to Lia Hagan for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
15 Feb 201830min