Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

By Not Sorry Productions

Society & Culture Arts Literature Philosophy Religion & Spirituality

What's Harry Potter and the Sacred Text about?

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 Casper ter Kuile 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 chapter by chapter as they 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.

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Survival: The Battle of Hog...

01.21.2021

Vanessa and Casper continue exploring the theme of survival in part two of chapter thirty-one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Ron and Hermione's big kiss, Draco Malfoy's failure of choice, and some plot holes ...

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text episodes:

01.21.2021 Survival: The Battle of Hogwarts (Book 7, Chapter 31) - Part 2 Vanessa and Casper continue exploring the theme of survival in part two of chapter thirty-one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Ron and Hermione's big kiss, Draco Malfoy's failure of choice, and some plot holes ...
01.14.2021 Survival: The Battle of Hogwarts (Book 7, Chapter 31) - Part 1 Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Survival in the first half of chapter thirty-one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Yes, that's right, we've split a chapter in half for the first time in our whole show history! ...
01.13.2021 Reflections on the attack on the Capitol Casper, Matt and Vanessa don't have any brilliant insights about what happened last week. So in this conversation they turn to Harry Potter and each other to try to sit in the fear and discomfort of what is happening right ...
01.07.2021 Owl Post Edition: New Year's Traditions with Matt Potts This week, Vanessa and Matt discuss their own New Year's traditions and the language we use around this time of year. Thanks to Charity, Luna, TeaKay, Matías, and Zack for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we’ll be reading part ...
12.25.2020 A Christmas Poem: Ring Out, Wild Bells by Alfred, Lord Tennyson Every Christmas, Casper likes to read us a poem. This year it's 'Ring Out, Wild Bells' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 7th. Happy Holidays! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
12.17.2020 Chaos: The Sacking of Severus Snape (Book 7, Chapter 30) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Chaos in chapter thirty of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (we're getting so close to the end!). This week we discuss Harry and McGonagall's use of unforgivable curses, generational differences in the ...
12.10.2020 Justice: The Lost Diadem (Book 7, Chapter 29) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Justice in chapter twenty-nine of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we are joined by Vanessa's dear friend Amanda, who shares an opening story about a rediscovered document from her childhood. ...
12.03.2020 Fate: The Missing Mirror (Book 7, Chapter 28) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Fate in chapter twenty-eight of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the similarities and differences between Albus and Aberforth Dumbledore and how nice it must be for the trio ...
11.26.2020 Loneliness: The Final Hiding Place (Book 7, Chapter 27) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Loneliness in chapter twenty-seven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Voldemort's relationship with Nagini, the freedom of the Gringott's dragon, and how to make friends in an isolating ...
11.19.2020 Time: Gringotts (Book 7, Chapter 26) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Time in chapter twenty-six of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss how hard it must be for Hermione to look like Bellatrix, the dragon in the belly of Gringotts, ...
11.16.2020 A New Podcast with Casper and Vanessa?(!) It's official: We can't break up the band! With Casper leaving Harry Potter and the Sacred Text on the horizon, we've dreamt up a new podcast with Casper and Vanessa to keep you company in your earbuds. But we need ...
11.12.2020 Doubt: Shell Cottage (Book 7, Chapter 25) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Doubt in chapter twenty-five of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we appreciate Ron's role in the trio, debate the effectiveness of eye contact, and continue to grapple with what this ...
11.05.2020 Mystery: The Wandmaker (Book 7, Chapter 24) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of mystery in chapter twenty-four of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we are joined by the brilliant Dr. Hannah McGregor, co-host of the podcast Witch, Please, who shares an opening story ...
10.29.2020 Legacy: Malfoy Manor (Book 7, Chapter 23) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Legacy in chapter twenty-three of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the ambivalence of Draco Malfoy, the divinity of Luna Lovegood, and the sexiness of Ron Weasley. Throughout the ...
10.22.2020 Owl Post Edition: “Hairy” Potter with Jolie Doggett This week, Casper and Vanessa are joined by cultural critic Jolie Doggett to discuss representation, appearance, and body positivity in Book 7. Together, they explore how we conceptualize “good” and “bad” bodies, and how those stereotypes show up in the ...
10.15.2020 Knowledge: The Deathly Hallows (Book 7, Chapter 22) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Knowledge in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Ron's new-found maturity, Harry's newest obsession, and why Hermione doesn't believe in the Hallows. Throughout the episode we ...
10.08.2020 Dreams: The Tale of the Three Brothers (Book 7, Chapter 21) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Dreams in chapter twenty-one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Luna’s beautiful mural of friends, Hermione’s small preparations for emergency situations, and whether we forgive Xenophilius for betraying ...
10.01.2020 Reality: Xenophilius Lovegood (Book 7, Chapter 20) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Reality in chapter twenty of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss a lot of things about Ron! We discuss Ron's separation from the trio, the reasons he didn't go ...
09.24.2020 Courage: The Silver Doe (Book 7, Chapter 19) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Courage in chapter nineteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Hermione’s grief after Ron leaves, Ron’s courage in coming back, and the importance of mentorship. Throughout the episode ...
09.17.2020 Youth: The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore (Book 7, Chapter 18) Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Youth in chapter eighteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Dumbledore’s relationship with Grindelwald, Rita Skeeter’s offensive nicknames for people, and the parallels to the Holocaust in this ...
09.10.2020 Faith: Bathilda’s Secret (Book 7, Chapter 17) Casper and Matt Potts explore the theme of Faith in chapter seventeen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss singing as a sacred practice, the locket as a metaphor for trauma, and the sign in front ...
09.03.2020 Peace: Godric’s Hollow (Book 7, Chapter 16) CW: Because of the plot of this chapter, Vanessa and Casper spend a lot of time talking about grief, death, and trauma. The chapter includes some suicidal ideation and Casper and Vanessa very briefly touch on that as well. Vanessa ...
09.01.2020 Introducing: Witch, Please [Explicit!] In honor of Hogwarts day, September 1st, we present to you the first day of class you’ve always dreamed of from your two favorite lady scholars: Witch, Please \| Ep. 1, The Chosen One. We at Not Sorry Productions are ...
08.27.2020 Ownership: The Goblin’s Revenge (Book 7, Chapter 15) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Ownership in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Muggle/Goblin relations, the Sword of Gryffindor, and of course, the big fight between Harry and Ron. Throughout the ...
08.24.2020 An Update from Not Sorry Productions Vanessa offers an update on plans for Harry Potter and the Sacred Text and Not Sorry Productions in general. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
08.20.2020 Owl Post Edition: Homelessness with Lauren Sandler This week, Casper and Vanessa are joined by journalist Lauren Sandler to discuss her book This is All I Got: A New Mother’s Search for Home, and what it teaches us about homelessness in America. Together, they explore how Harry, ...
08.13.2020 Belonging: The Thief (Book 7, Chapter 14) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Belonging in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the shifting dynamics of the trio as they find themselves far from home, find compassion for Ron as ...
08.07.2020 Arrogance: The Muggle-Born Registration Commission (Book 7, Chapter 13) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Arrogance in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss how Umbridge has changed since we last saw her, Harry’s rash decision to try and free some Muggle-Borns, ...
07.30.2020 HPST Re-Run – Friendship: Halloween (Book 1, Chapter 10) The whole Harry Potter and the Sacred Text Team is busy this week running our summer camp, so we thought: what a perfect time for a throw-back episode! This episode holds a special place in our hearts because it's the ...
07.23.2020 Truth: Magic is Might (Book 7, Chapter 12) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Truth in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the new ministry statue, the fate of poor Mafalda Hopkirk, and whether or not Ron is useless. Throughout ...
07.16.2020 Owl Post Edition: J.K. Rowling and Transphobia with Jackson Bird Today’s owl post episode is in response to J.K. Rowling’s recent and vehement transphobia. We’re joined by our friend Jackson Bird to talk about why it’s important to condemn Rowling, and what we’re thinking about in terms of the future ...
07.09.2020 Normalcy: The Bribe (Book 7, Chapter 11) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Normalcy in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the role of pain in Harry’s life, the changes being made at the Ministry, and why Lupin can’t ...
07.02.2020 Neglect: Kreacher's Tale (Book 7, Chapter 10) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Neglect in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Sirius' childhood bedroom, the lack of stories that Harry has about his parents, and Harry's kindness towards Kreacher. ...
06.25.2020 Relief: A Place to Hide (Book 7, Chapter 9) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Relief in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Ron’s moving concern for his family, Harry’s persistant need to self-isolate, and how Hermione’s marginalized identity leads to ...
06.23.2020 Happy Power of Ritual Day! Hi all, Casper here. There are moments in life when you look around and wonder at the marvel of it all. Today my book is published - and it would never have happened without YOU, our dear listeners. Thank you ...
06.18.2020 Independence: The Wedding (Book 7, Chapter 8) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Independence in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week Vanessa shares a cautionary tale of Crystal Light and we discuss the magic of wizard wedding, Luna’s relationship with her ...
06.11.2020 Identity: The Will of Albus Dumbledore (Book 7, Chapter 7) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Identity in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the many gifts in this chapter: Harry’s birthday gifts, what Dumbledore leaves the trio in his will, and ...
06.04.2020 #WizardTeam: The Death Eaters (Book 4, Chapter 33) We’ve decided not to release an episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text today. Instead we have an episode of #WizardTeam from the brilliant women over at Black Girls Create. #WizardTeam is a Harry Potter podcast housed under Black ...
06.03.2020 Black Lives Matter A short note from Vanessa and Casper for our white listeners to step-up in this week of action in defense of Black lives. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
05.28.2020 Hesitation: The Ghoul in Pyjamas (Book 7, Chapter 6) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Hesitation in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the role of The Burrow in Harry’s life, why more people can’t hunt horcruxes, and the book’s conception ...
05.26.2020 Women of Harry Potter: Blessing Aunt Muriel Hi everyone! Yesterday we released the latest Women of Harry Potter episode on Patreon. We make a new episode once a month and it’s our favorite Patreon perk. We've now released 30 episodes of our little spin-off show! As a ...
05.21.2020 Health: Fallen Warrior (Book 7, Chapter 5) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Health in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we take some time to discuss the incredible grace of three characters: George Weasley, Ted Tonks, and Molly Weasley. Throughout ...
05.14.2020 Devotion: The Seven Potters (Book 7, Chapter 4) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Devotion in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Hedwig’s death and her role in Harry’s life, Petunia’s obsession with cleanliness, and Hagrid’s relationship with 4 Privet ...
05.07.2020 Growth: The Dursleys Departing (Book 7, Chapter 3) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Growth in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we say goodbye to the Dursley’s and spend a little time talking about each of them. We look at how ...
04.30.2020 Boldness: In Memoriam (Book 7, Chapter 2) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Boldness in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss and what Dumbledore really saw the Mirror of Erised, Dudley's attempt at an olive branch, and the politics ...
04.27.2020 Season 7 Trailer: When Have You Let a Bad Thought Lead You to Make a Bad Decision? Every season, we make an animated video to kick-off a new book. Each video is an exploration of one character in the text, their psychology, and why they make the decision they do. Our video this season is entitled “Are ...
04.23.2020 Suspicion: The Dark Lord Ascending (Book 7, Chapter 1) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Suspicion in the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Snape’s bravery, the team culture amongst death eaters, and how Voldemort builds the groundwork for Narcissa’s betrayal. ...
04.16.2020 Special Edition: What We’re Excited for in Deathly Hallows Welcome to Season 7! This week, Vanessa and Casper get together to talk what they're looking forward to in Deathly Hallows. They discuss all the heroism to come: Ron’s great return, Narcissa’s daring betrayal, and Dobby’s selfish sacrifice. Vanessa and ...
04.03.2020 Introducing: Twilight in Quarantine Happy Friday everyone! We have a new project to keep you company while sheltering in place: Twilight in Quarantine. Is Twilight by Stephenie Meyer the best book of all time? No it’s not. Is it the kind of cotton candy ...
04.02.2020 Owl Post Edition: How to Pray with Stephanie Paulsell Are ‘thoughts and prayers’ worth anything? This week, Casper is joined by our mentor Stephanie Paulsell to talk about the practice of prayer. Stephanie introduces us to ideas of prayer from theologians such as Evagrius Ponticus, Augustine of Hippo, Simone ...

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