Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Panoply

It’s the English class you didn't know you missed and the meaningful conversations you didn't know you craved. Join Vanessa Zoltan and Matt Potts as they bring thought, reflection and laughter to Harry Potter; not just as novels, but as instructive and inspirational texts that will teach us about our own lives. Relive the magic of Harry Potter chapter by chapter as Matt and Vanessa explore themes such as commitment, revenge and forgiveness. This podcast creates time in your week to think about life’s big questions. Because reading fiction doesn’t just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Location:

United States

Genres:

Books & Literature

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Panoply Podcast Network

Networks:

Panoply

Description:

It’s the English class you didn't know you missed and the meaningful conversations you didn't know you craved. Join Vanessa Zoltan and Matt Potts as they bring thought, reflection and laughter to Harry Potter; not just as novels, but as instructive and inspirational texts that will teach us about our own lives. Relive the magic of Harry Potter chapter by chapter as Matt and Vanessa explore themes such as commitment, revenge and forgiveness. This podcast creates time in your week to think about life’s big questions. Because reading fiction doesn’t just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Language:

English

Episodes

Wrap-Up: The Half-Blood Prince

2/27/2025

Vanessa and Casper wrap up their discussion of The Half-Blood Prince with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Dumbledore's strengths and weaknesses as a leader, Harry's final year at Hogwarts, and Hermione's unique role in this book. We're off for a few weeks between seasons, but we can't wait to get into Book 7 with you all! Stick around after the episode for a special conversation with Julia Argy about her upcoming writing retreat! Learn more and register on our website. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:59:21

Love: The White Tomb (Book 6, Chapter 30)

2/20/2025

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter 30 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Hagrid’s role as patron saint of transitions, Bill and Fleur, and Harry’s pity for Draco! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how are grief and love interconnected? Thank you to Ellen for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're wrapping up Book 6 with Casper. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:49:39

Separation: The Phoenix Lament (Book 6, Chapter 29)

2/13/2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Separation in Chapter 29 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the relationship dynamics on display in this chapter, Hagrid’s advice, and the end of Harry’s time at Hogwarts! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what causes us to feel separate from others? Thank you to Bethany for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 30, The White Tomb, through the theme of Love with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:44:17

Bonus Conversation: Friendship in Anne of Green Gables (with Casper ter Kuile and Courtney Brown)

2/7/2025

In today's bonus, Vanessa is joined by Casper ter Kuile and Courtney Brown for a special conversation on the role of friendship in our adult lives, and what the characters in Anne of Green Gables can teach us about it! Learn more about joining Casper and Courtney in Prince Edward Island this June as they dive deeper into this theme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:17:18

Apocalypse: Flight of the Prince (Book 6, Chapter 28)

2/6/2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Hannah McGregor explore the theme of Apocalypse in Chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape’s subtle display of care, Hagrid’s hut, and chaos as a liminal space! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we continue after an apocalyptic event? Thank you to Heather for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 29, The Phoenix Lament, through the theme of Separation with Casper ter Kuile. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:52:18

Helplessness: The Lightning Struck Tower (Book 6, Chapter 27)

1/30/2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Daniel Schroeder explore the theme of Helplessness in Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s immobilization, Dumbledore’s master plan, and Draco’s task! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when can a feeling of helplessness actually help force us to act? Thank you to Jerrica for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 28, Flight of the Prince, through the theme of Apocalypse with special guest Hannah McGregor. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:45:42

Fear: The Cave (Book 6, Chapter 26)

1/23/2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Fear in Chapter 26 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry and Dumbledore’s opposite experiences of the cave, fear of the unknown, and Voldemort’s obstacle course! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we decide which fears are valid? Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 27, The Lightning-Struck Tower, through the theme of helplessness with special guest Daniel Schroeder. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:51:46

Jealousy: The Seer Overheard (Book 6, Chapter 25)

1/16/2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Jealousy in Chapter 25 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Romilda Vane, the Prince’s gender, and Trelawney’s many admirers! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can jealousy be useful information? Thank you to Chris for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 26, The Cave, through the theme of Fear with Casper ter Kuile. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:48:48

Impulsivity: Sectumsempra (Book 6, Chapter 24)

1/9/2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Courtney Brown explore the theme of Impulsivity in Chapter 24 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Draco and Harry’s fight, Hermione’s “I told you so” moment, and the big kiss! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is impulsivity fun and when is it harmful? Thank you to Julia for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 25, The Seer Overheard, through the theme of Jealousy with Jolie Doggett. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:44:09

HPST Re-Run – Frustration: The Boy Who Lived (Book 1, Chapter 1)

1/2/2025

We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 9th, but in the meantime we thought it would be fun to revisit Matt's first episode as a regular host. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:50:46

A Christmas Poem from Casper: Snowy Night, by Mary Oliver

12/25/2024

Every Christmas, we like to share a favorite poem. This year it's 'Snowy Night' by Mary Oliver. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 9th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:02:19

Ambivalence: Horcruxes (Book 6, Chapter 23)

12/19/2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Ambivalence in Chapter 23 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s lesson, the splitting of souls, and Harry’s destiny! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does our ambivalence still lead us to a choice? Thank you to Marissa for this week’s voicemail! We're off for the holidays but we'll be back in 2025 reading Chapter 24, Sectumsempra, through the theme of Impulsivity with Courtney Brown. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:44:54

Special Edition: The Marauders!

12/12/2024

Every once in a while we like to take a step back from our current chapter, and appreciate some overarching themes and important characters from the series. This week, Vanessa and special guest Jackson Bird are talking about the Marauders and some of their favorite moments from the friends throughout the series! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for conversations every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:23:15

Let's Ask Taylor Swift: Tim McGraw

12/11/2024

Not Sorry has launched its first new podcast since 2020! Let's Ask Taylor Swift is co-hosted by Vanessa and podcaster, writer and cultural critic: Daniel Schroeder. In each episode Daniel and Vanessa will focus on one song from Taylor's discography, asking themselves, each other, and you— the audience— what it is about Taylor's music that resonates so much with fans. In our first season, every episode will look at the lead single from one of Taylor’s albums. We're sharing with you our first episode on Tim McGraw, but we've also just released our second episode on Love Story in the Let's Ask Taylor Swift feed. If you enjoyed this episode, go subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:31:40

Failure: After The Burial (Book 6, Chapter 22)

12/5/2024

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Failure in Chapter 22 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s lucky day, Ron’s apparition test, and Ernie’s potion! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when are success and failure out of our control? Thank you to Christine for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 23, Horcruxes, through the theme of Ambivalence with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:44:43

Patience: The Unknowable Room (Book 6, Chapter 21)

11/28/2024

Patience: The Unknowable Room (Book 6, Chapter 21) This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Patience in Chapter 21 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s stakeout, Hermione’s new approach to Ron and Lavender, and the upcoming promise of Apparition! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does patience reward us? Thank you to Elizabeth for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 22, After The Burial, through the theme of Failure with Casper ter Kuile. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:47:46

Possibility: Lord Voldemort’s Request (Book 6, Chapter 20)

11/21/2024

This week, Vanessa and special guest Mauricio Bruce explore the theme of Possibility in Chapter 20 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Dumbledore’s memory of Voldemort, Harry’s quest, and Hermione and Ron’s reconciliation! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we hold space for a multitude of possibilities? Thank you to Serena for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 21, The Unknowable Room, through the theme of Patience with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:48:57

Rebellion: Elf Tails (Book 6, Chapter 19)

11/14/2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rebellion in Chapter 19 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape and Dumbledore’s agreement, Dobby and Kreacher’s quarrel, and McLaggen’s big game! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we rebel in both big and small ways? Thank you to Travis for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 20, Lord Voldemort’s Request, through the theme of Possibility with special guest Mauricio Bruce. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:40:55

Discovery: Birthday Surprises (Book 6, Chapter 18)

11/7/2024

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Discovery in Chapter 18 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s poisoned mead, Harry’s life saving bezoar, and Romilda Vane’s love potion! Throughout the episode we consider the question: are we always on some journey of discovery? Thank you to Auryn for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 19, Elf Tails, through the theme of Rebellion with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:56

Knowledge: A Sluggish Memory (Book 6, Chapter 17)

10/31/2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Knowledge in Chapter 17 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s lesson with Dumbledore, early Slug Clubs, and Slughorn’s titular memory! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do raw facts turn into knowledge? Thank you to Simone for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Birthday Surprises, through the theme of Discovery with Casper ter Kuile. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:22