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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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Skepticism in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Harry’s magical thinking, Kreacher’s humiliation, and Dumbledore’s relationship to lemon drops. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when do we need to trust authority and when should we be skeptical?

Thanks to Nici for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter four, Horace Slughorn, through the theme of Joy.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Prudence in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. This week we discuss Peter Pettigrew’s relationship to his hand, Narcissa and Bellatrix’s love for one another, and when to quit a job. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can you only know prudence in hindsight?

Thanks to K Doraiswamy for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter three, Will and Won’t, through the theme of Skepticism.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Helplessness in the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. This week we discuss the election of Rufus Scrimgeour, all things related to the muggle Prime Minister, and whether Fudge is too polite for his own good. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How much information helps us during times of crisis and how much actually hurts us?

Thanks to Marianna Hackney for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter two, Spinner’s End, through the theme of Prudence.

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