Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of pleasure in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss the ethics of Hermione confunding McLaggen, Hagrid’s fight with the trio, and Lavender’s crush on Ron. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Do we like things more when we get to experience them less?

Thanks to Emily Hilton for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twelve, Silver and Opals, through the theme of Resilience.

Please consider supporting our Don’t Be A Dursley campaign. We’re trying to raise $25K by Christmas for RAICES - an organization that helps immigrants and refugees struggling for rights in our country.

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The whole idea of this podcast is that we want to get ready for when tragedies happen near us. We want to make sure that if an opportunity to love a one year old, dropped off at our door were to ever happen to us, we won't be a Dursley.

Tragically, a vividly clear example of this is happening on our figurative doorstep; the American southern border with family separation, closing of borders from people feeling life-threatening conditions and more.

To that end, we have partnered with RAICES and set a goal that between today, Indigenous People’s Day, and Christmas, our loving community can raise $25,000 together. Please join us, and take one further step on your journey to not being a Dursley. You can donate at: give.classy.org/dontbeadursley

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of temptation in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa unpack the tragic story of Merope Gaunt, considering her abuse and the way she perpetuates it with Tom Riddle Sr. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we interrupt temptation when it leads us astray?

Thanks to our anonymous listener for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter eleven, Hermione’s Helping Hand, through the theme of Pleasure.

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Why would anyone want to be a Slytherin? Vanessa and Casper to talk with Travis McElroy about his devotion to his Slytherin identity. They touch on the importance of pride, the difference between patriotism and nationalism, and whether we should just dismantle the whole house system.

This episode we also hear owl post from Laura, Harriet, an Anonymous caller, Sasha, and Tesla.

Next week, we’re reading chapter 10, The House of Gaunt, through the theme of Temptation.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of friendship in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we are joined by internet super-star Gaby Dunn, who shares an opening story about a friendship break-up. Casper and Vanessa discuss McGonagall’s relationship with Neville, whether Ginny considers Harry ‘family’, and why Harry isn’t friends with Ernie Macmillan. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is it possible to become friends with your mentors?

Thanks to Nicole Engelhardt for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re doing an Owl Post episode where we discuss Slytherin identity with Travis McElroy.

Don’t forget to check out Gabby’s new book, Please Send Help.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of anxiety in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Harry’s response to Snape, Hagrid’s imminent disappointment, and Ginny’s non-anxious presence. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we take care of ourselves and each other in moments of anxiety?

Thanks to Kent Stephenson for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter nine, The Half-Blood Prince, through the theme of Friendship with special guest Gaby Dunn.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of glamour in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Draco’s violence, Harry’s relationship with Neville and Luna, and how the members of the Slug Club are treated. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we embrace moments of glamour without objectifying ourselves?

Thanks to Hongyue Guo for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter eight, Snape Victorious, through the theme of Anxiety.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of stubbornness in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Draco’s need to be taken seriously, Molly’s fear for her children, and Ron’s eternal hope that he’s the same as Harry. Throughout the episode we consider the question: can there be ‘big’ stubbornness? Or is it always about small things?

Thanks to Kath for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter seven, The Slug Club, through the theme of Glamour.

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CW: This week’s voicemail is about the shooting in Dayton, Ohio. If you’d rather skip it, the blessing start around 48:30.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of yearning in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we’re joined by John Green, who tells an opening story about heart-break set in Alaska. Vanessa and Casper discuss Fleur’s feelings in the Burrow, Ron’s adorable bro-iness, and Hermione’s obsession with her grades.Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does yearning help us take action?

Thanks to Colton for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter six, Draco’s Detour, through the theme of Stubbornness.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of joy in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Horace’s supposed ‘cowardice’, Dumbledore’s good pedagogy, and the usefulness of inappropriate jokes. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is joy more likely in community?

Thanks to Vivianna for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter five, An Excess of Phlem, through the theme of Yearning. We’ll be joined by friend of the podcast, author John Green, who will tell our opening story.

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