Hi everyone! Bad news: The file for this week's episode got corrupted (probably by Voldemort). Unfortunately, Vanessa had minor surgery this week (she’s recovering well!) and Casper’s off in a monastery, so that only left one person to record something last minute for this week’s episode — me, your loyal producer, Ariana. It’s super low-tech – we’re just hanging out in my apartment, but you get to hear me do a truly terrible British accent and gush about Vanessa and Casper. I’ve also included the newest trailer for our upcoming show, Hot & Bothered. You can go subscribe now!

I was assisted in this episode by the very talented Jeff Emtman, who interviewed and recorded me. You can find his podcast, Here Be Monsters, at hbmpodcast.com. 

Next week, we’ll get back in the studio and re-record the promised episode, Pride: Professor Umbridge (Book 5, Chapter 12). Thank you for bearing with us this week, and extra thank you to everyone who sent in questions over Twitter and Facebook.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Dread in chapter eleven of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we discuss Hermione's insight into Umbridge, Harry and Seamus' big fight, and the content of The Sorting Hat's New Song (surprise!). Our question this week is: Is dread about the certainly of what's coming? Or the uncertainly of what could come?

Next week we're reading Chapter 12, Professor Umbridge, through the theme of Pride.

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Casper is out sick, so Vanessa is taking over our owl post episode this week. We talk Brett Kavanaugh and answer voicemails about his hearing, Voldemort's name, Advent and marginalia.

Vanessa also has the opportunity to chat with Dr. Lynne Gerber, a friend of the podcast from Harvard Divinity School. They discuss Lynne's experience with neo-paganism and how to create feminist spaces for religious practice.

Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 11 of Order of the Phoenix, The Sorting Hat's New Song, through the theme of dread.

You can hear the rest of Stephanie Paulsell's sermon here.

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Humility in chapter ten of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we talk about Luna's truth-telling, Neville's nerdiness and Ron and Hermione's different approaches to being prefects. Our question this week is: why don't we live more radical lives?

Next week we're doing an Owl Post episode with special guest Lynne Gerber talking to us about paganism. Don't forget to buy tickets for our upcoming live shows in Austin, Cambridge, and Orlando: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Will Power in chapter nine of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we continue to obsess about Percy Weasley, congratulate Ron on his grace around being Head Boy, and very much want to punch Lucius Malfoy. Our question this week is: does will power have to happen in the moment, or is something you can plan for?

Next week we're reading chapter ten, Luna Lovegood, through the theme of Humility. Don't forget to buy tickets for our upcoming live shows in Chicago, Austin, Cambridge, and Florida: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events

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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Partnership in chapter eight of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Lauren Taylor, co-author of The American Healthcare Paradox and fellow Harvard Divinity School alum. We discuss Fudge and Dumbledore's polarizing effect, Percy's place in the ministry, and give our first impressions of Dolores Umbridge. Our question this week is: how close can we actually get to the kind of 'divine' partnership described by philosophers?

Next week we're reading chapter nine, The Woes of Mrs. Weasley, through the theme of Will Power.

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Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "Progress" in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss whether owls are an obsolete technology, The Fountain of Magical Brethren, and the power of Mamma Mia. Our question this week is: is progress inevitable?

Next week we're reading chapter eight, The Hearing, through the theme of Partnership. Thanks this week to Aya Ahmed for our voicemail.

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Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "memory" in chapter six of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." This week we discuss Kreacher's institutional memory, Sirius's family tapestry, and whether or not you should cut an ex out of a photo. Our question this week is: what’s the difference between a memory and a record?

Next week we're reading chapter seven, The Ministry of Magic, through the theme of Progress. Thanks this week to Rae Muhlstock for our voicemail.

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Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "gratitude" in chapter five of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." This week we discuss Mundugus Fletcher's apology, Molly Weasley's protectiveness, and the memory of James Potter. Our question this week is: what should the timeline of gratitude look like?

Next week we're reading chapter six, The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, through the theme of Memory. Thanks this week to Miriam Wilks for our voicemail.

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Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "Anger" in chapter four of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." This week we discuss Percy's betrayal, Ginny's coolness, and how badly Harry is treating his friends. Our question this week is: Is anger ever a productive emotion?

Next week we're reading chapter five, The Order of the Phoenix, through the theme of Gratitude. Thanks this week to Beth Strickland for our voicemail.

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