Charlottesville: Call it what it is

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of transformation in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week, our opening story is told by Mike McHargue, host of Ask Science Mike and The Liturgists. We discuss the ways that Neville as like Christ, Moody is like the Buddha, and Snape is maybe, possibly pitiable. Our question this week is: Can transformation ever be complete?Our voicemail this week is thanks to Bethy Crowe. Next week we're reading chapter fifteen, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, through the theme of trauma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 Jan 201847min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of judgement in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week we discuss blind love, alcoholism at Hogwarts, and why we all take such joy in Draco being turned into a ferret. Our question this week is: how do we learn to value things based on their inherent worth, rather than their functionality?Our voicemail this week is thanks to Bri Anele. Next week we're reading chapter fourteen, The Unforgivable Curse, through the theme of transformation. We'll be also be joined by special guest, Science Mike, from The Liturgists podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 Jan 201833min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of excitement in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week, we admire the Creevey brothers, interrogate Harry's blasé attitude, and wonder what Barty Crouch Jr. must be feeling. Our question this week is: Are formal ceremonies impersonal or transcendent? Our voicemail this week is thanks to Charlotte Binks. Next week we're reading chapter thirteen, Mad-Eye Moody, through the theme of judgement.. Stay warm! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Jan 201834min

Here's a little treat from Casper. You can find the poem in Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Dec 20172min

It's time for our first round of owl posts for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! We hear your thoughts about stigma, the S.P.E.W. campaign, Fred and George's resilience, obliviation, and Hermione's muggle knowledge. Thanks so much to Angela Higginson, Jennifer Asturias, Jarrod Green, and Annalisa Galgano for sending in their messages. We also are visited by activist and organizer Marya Bangee, who tells us about her work and teaches us a little bit about the Quran.Next week, we're reading Chapter 12, The Triwizard Tournament, through the theme of excitement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Dec 201739min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of play in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week, we discuss Queen Victoria, how defense against the dark arts is like sex education, and why it's okay to be rude behind closed doors. Our question this week is: Is there ever a time when play isn't appropriate? Our voicemail this week is thanks to Sara Ayebar. Next week, tune in for an owl post with special guest Marya Bangee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 Dec 201737min

Vanessa and Casper revisit the theme of promises in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week, we discuss whether Rita Skeeter is a good journalist, Arthur Weasley's work at the ministry, and shifting familial roles. Our question this week is: When is it appropriate to break promises?Next week we're reading chapter eleven, Aboard the Hogwarts Express, through the theme of play. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Crysta Swarts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 Dec 201732min

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of grudges in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This week, we continue our discussion about Veelas and sexism, look at the connection between the personal and the political, and celebrate Hermione's truth-telling. Our question this week is: what responsibility to do we have to understand and forgive people who perpetrate violent hate crimes?Next week we're reading chapter ten, Mayhem at the Ministry, through the theme of promise. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Lonna Hays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Nov 201733min