Belonging: The Polyjuice Potion (Book 2, Chapter 12)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of belonging in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss magical portraits, the metaphor of the phoenix, and Vanessa’s distrust of optometry. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is a shared history necessary for feeling belonging? This week's voicemail is thanks to Evin Shinn. Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirteen, The Very Secret Diary, through the theme of cowardice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10 Jan 201731min
Excellence: The Dueling Club (Book 2, Chapter 11)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of excellence in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry's proficiency with Parseltongue, Ernie McMillan's authority within the Hufflepuffs, and Vanessa's esteem of Lebron James. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do we make sure that we pursue excellence in way that's in line with our values?Our story this week was told by the incredible Mark Oppenheimer of the Unorthodox podcast and this week's voicemail is thanks to Lóre Stevens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3 Jan 201731min
Complaining: The Rogue Bludger (Book 2, Chapter 10)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of complaining in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Madam Hooch's negligence during the quidditch match, Lockhart's toxic masculinity, and Colin Creevey's surprising thoughtfulness. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When do we have the right to complain?This week's voicemail is thanks to Meghan Cooper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27 Dec 201628min
Innocence: The Writing on the Wall (Book 2, Chapter 9)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Innocence in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry’s continued fear of his own Slytherin-ness, the way Professor Binns thinks about history, and the powerful narrative of original sin. Throughout the episode they consider the question: why do we lie when we’re nervous, even if we have nothing to hide?Thanks to Ian for this week's voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter ten, The Rogue Bludger, through the theme of complaining. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20 Dec 201628min
Rumors: The Deathday Party (Book 2, Chapter 8)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of rumors in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the difference between rumors and propaganda, whether Nearly Headless Nick should be allowed in the headless hunt, and how they would feel if their friends started hearing voices. Throughout the episode they consider the question: At what point do rumors become dangerous? This week's voicemail is thanks to Antonia Aguilera. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13 Dec 201634min
Confusion: Mudbloods and Murmurs (Book 2, Chapter 7)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of confusion in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Hagrid's magical umbrella, the usefulness of mantras, and what the 'mudblood' incident can help us understand about systemic racism. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When faced with pernicious confusion, what's our best course of action? This week's voicemail is thanks to Andrew McIntyre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6 Dec 201632min
Attraction: Gilderoy Lockhart (Book 2, Chapter 6)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of attraction in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss their schoolyard crushes, Ron's malfunctioning wand, and a metaphorical interpretation of the mandrake plant. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Where do we draw the distinction between healthy and unhealthy attraction? This week's voicemail is thanks to Cindy Phippen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29 Nov 201633min
Responsibility: The Whomping Willow (Book 2, Chapter 5)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of responsibility in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Dobby's constant meddling, Snape's connection with the Whomping Willow, and whether it's okay to bless the Dursleys. Throughout the episode they consider the question: is discipline best executed from a position of objectivity or compassion?This week's voicemail is thanks to Maxine Kobinski. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22 Nov 201638min
